Spike puller



Jan. 10, 1933. H. H. TALBoYs SPIKE FULLER Filed July 9, 1930 f lllllll 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 @y MMM fior/Myst Jan. 1-0, 1933.- H, H TALBOYS 1,893,719

SPIKE FULLER Filed July 9. 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 10, 1933. Hl H. TALBOYS 1,893,719

SPIKE FULLER Filed July 9. 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet C5 ,f @Xl ff/azi@ w i y 2@ Y @ik J^an. Y11), 1933. H. H. TALBOYS 1,893,719

SPIKE FULLER Flved July 9. 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jan. 10, 1933. H. H. TALBoYs 1,893,719

' SPIKE FULLER Filed July 9. 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 10, 1933. H. H; TALBoYs 1,893,719

SPIKE FULLER n Filed July 9. 1930 I 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 gie/227W@ Patented Jan. 10, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENTv OFFICE HENRY H. TALBOYS, OF MILWAUKEE, VISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO NORDBERG- MANU- .FAGTU'RING COMPANY, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN SPIKE FULLER Application led July 9, 1930. Serial No. 466,737.

This invention relates to a machine for pulling or removing spikes', nails and the like. In the form illustrated herewith it is particularly adapted for pulling railroad spikes. It

has for one obj ect to provide a machine which may be readily moved from place to place and which may be used in pulling railroad spikes. Another object is to provide such a machine so equipped that it may run on the rails of a railroad and may be used to pull spikes from the ties beneath it. Another object is to provide a multiple spike pulling machine by means of which two pulling elements may be used with a single mechanism. Another object is to provide in connection with such a spike pulling machine a means for relieving the supporting structure of the machine of shock and jar incident to its operation and for transmitting such support directly to the rails. Another object is to provide a spike pulling machine that will pull spikes witho ut bending them7 thus saving the labor necessary to straighten bent spikes.

Other objects will appear from time to time in the specification and claims.

My invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying draw ings, wherein: l

Figure 1 is a side elevation with parts broken away and parts in section;

Figure 2 is a front View;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical cross section on an enlarged scale, taken at line 3-8 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a horizontal cross section taken at line 4 4 of Figure 1 Figure 5 is a transverse vertical cross sec tion taken at line 5 5 of Figure 1 and showing the machine raised above the rails in an inoperative position;

Figure 6 is a detailed transverse vertical cross section taken at line 6-6 of Figure 1, showing a part of the track contacting member;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary side elevation generally similar to Figure 1, showing the spike tongs in the raised position;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the tongs separately;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view on an enlarged scale showing the top of the tongs supporting structure of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, showing a modified form of tongs support; Figure 11 is a fragmentary side elevation of a detail of the frame bearing support;

Figure 12 is a transverse vertical cross section taken at line 12-12 of Figure 1l;

Figure 18 is aside elevation showing a modilied form;

Figure 14 is a transverse vertical cross section taken on line 14-14 of Figure 13.

Like parts are designated by like characters throughout the specification and drawings.

The machine is adapted to be mounted upon and to run along a railroad although it might be mounted to run on any other road surface. In the drawings A indicates a road bed in which ties A1 are positioned. A2 are tie plates, positioned upon the ties and carrying rails A3 which are fastened to the ties by spikes A* which pass through the tie plates. They extend into the ties and engage the flanges of the rails.

The machine is supported on a truck which is formed of a frame. The frame itself is formed of transverse members B, B and side longitudinal members B1; B1 and intermediate longitudinal vmembers B2. Extending transversely between one of the intermediate longitudinal members B2 and one of thel outside longitudinal members B1 is a pair of shorter transverse `frame members B3, B3. The forward transverse member B is preferably reinforced by a. downwardly extendin flange B5. Positioned beneath the forward transverse member B is a built up transverse member formed of a pair of angles B6, B", positioned as shown in Figure 3 facing each other, slightly separated so that they embrace the downwardly extending flange of the T- shaped member B. This latter is slotted as at B7, B7 and bolts B8 extend through the slots B7 and through the upwardly extending flanges of the members B6. Fastened on the under side of the members B6 are bearing blocks B9, B9. Extending vertically between the member B and the downward flanges of the members B6 are bolts B10 about which are positioned compression springs B11. Toward the rear of the frame and positioned on the outer longitudinal members B1 are supporting or spacing members B12, upon which are positioned bearing blocks B13. An axle B1Jl is journaled in the blocks B1al and carries flanged wheels B15. An axle B1G is journaled in the bearings B2.

Extending upwardly from the truck frame just described, is a super-structure comprising preferably two upright members C. They are provided with a diagonal bracing member C1. Between them is pivoted a lever C2 which is preferably strengthened or enlarged at its forward end and is provided with a hook C3 at that end. A link or connecting rod C4 is pivotally supported on the lever G2 adjacent the hook. Adjacent the forward end of the frame is a vertically extending member C5 which is braced by al diagonal member OG. This member is attached at one end to a side frame member and extends upwardly from the truck frame and forwardly beyond it. C7 is a diagonal fbracing member fastened also to the vertical Together these member C5. Supported on the vertical member C? and forming a partial inclosure and a guide for the lever C2 is a box or housing formed of side members CS, C9 and slotted front members C10. The slot in this member preferably extends throughout only a part of its length. it thel forward end of the truck frame are vertically extending members C11 which are oined by a transverse member C12. members form a handle by means of which the truck may be positioned. C12 is a handle member fastened at one end to the brace C7 and also to the vertical member C5 and extending laterally beyond the truck t and the parts which it carries and serving as a handle by means of which the truck may be moved. C1* is a jack positioned between the transverse members B3 of the truck frame. At its lower end it carries a contact foot C15 and at its upper end a handle C16. The

jack may bemanipulated to raise the truck from the rails. This position is indicated in Figure 5, in which the foot C15 is in contact 'with a block C12. The jack is supported in nuts C18. Positioned between the side members C8 and C2 of the housing are guides C12 which are held in place by bolts C20 upon which spacers may be positioned.

D indicates generally a driving engine. An internal combustion engine has been shown but any suitable source of power might be substituted. It is suiiicient for the purposes of my invention that some power source be positioned as a part of the assembly. The engine is provided with a driving wheel which may serve also as a fly-wheel D1. A driven wheel or pulley D2 is mounted on a shaft D3 which is supported in suitable bearings D4. The shaft D3 also carries a pinion D5. The pulley D2 is driven from the flywheel D1 by a belt DG which may be provided with a tightening pulley D7 carried on links D8 and held in yielding contact with the belt by means of a spring D". D10 is a shaft supported in bearings D11, carrying preferably adjacent one end a gear D12 which is in mesh with the pinion D5. A housing D13 normally encloses the pinion D5 and the gear D12. Adjacent its opposite end the shaft D10 carries a crank D1* which has fastened to it the connecting rod C4. By means of the drive arrangement just described, the lever C2 with its hook C3 is caused to rise and fall in response to rotation of the shaft D10 by the engine D. Other means might be provided for giving such a rising andfalling motion to the lever and hook.

Fastened on one of the side frame members B1 is a reinforcing and track contacting member E. This member, as shown, is of increased vertical thickness adjacent the for-- ward end of the truck, being provided with a downwardly flared part E1. A somewhat similarly shaped transverse member E2 is placed across the forward end of the vehicle and it is provided with a downwardly flared or enlarged part E2. The part E3 of the member E2 converges with and is joined to the forwardly extending part E1 of the member E. It thus reinforces that member and the two together form a downwardly extending shoe which normally clears the track upon which the machine is supported. The member E1 may form a track contacting part itself or, in the prefered form illustrated, it may have removably attached to it a contacting shoe E1. This shoe may be formed of three members as indicated particularly in Figure 6, and fastened by bolts E5 or in some other fashion, removably mounted on the member E2. In this fashion the actual track contacting member may be made harder than would otherwise be possible and will thus stand more wear.

In the upper end of the member C6 is an cnlargement F which may carry one or two upwardly extending projections F1. In one form of the invention a member F2 is positioned to the member F and to it two ring bolts F3- may be fastened. To each of these a tongs assembly may be attached in the manner to be described below. The member F2 itself is removably held in position by a bolt F1. In a modified form of the invention as shown in detail in Figure l0, instead of the double member F2 a single member F5 is used. It carries but a single ring bolt F2 and can thus carry only one tongs assembly. It may, however, be rotated from the position shown in full lines in Figure l() to that shown in dotted lines in Figure l0, and thus the single tongs assembly which it carries may be moved to either side of a rail and the machine can thus pull spikes from either side of the rail.

As above stated, one or two tongs assemblies may be used. If one is used, it may swung from side to side so as to pull spikes from both sides of a rail. If two are used, this is unnecessary and they may both be used together so that two operators may work on a machine, each handling one tongs assembly. The operation of the tongs is the same in either case and structurally they are substantially identical. For that reason I will describe only one.

The tongs consists of a member G which carries in its upper end an attaching means, for example, the ring G1, to which a spring G2 may be attached. The upper end of the spring may receive one end of a chain G3 which has its other end fastened to the ring bolt F3. Adjacent its upper end the member G may carry a flange or other projection G4 which serves as a handle or stop. On one side the member G has an inwardly facing shoulder forming member G5. The member G is slotted as at GG. Adjacent the lower `end of the member G is pivoted a link G7 which is pivotally attached to a jaw member G8 which member may carry a spike engaging tooth G9. This tooth may be made integral with the jaw member GS or removable therefrom, in which case it is held in place by a pin, screw or other attaching member G10. G11 is a generally vertical member, positioned adjacent to and supported by the member G. It is provided with a handle G12 which projects through the slot G5 of the member G. A spring G13 is fastened to the handle G12 at one end, and at its other end, as at G11, it is fastened to the member G. This spring, when free to do so, raises the member G11 and the parts which are controlled by it. The member G11 is slotted as at G15 and through this slot the member G16, which is carried in the lower end of the member G and upon which the link G7 is pivoted, passes. At its lower end the member G11 carries a jaw member G17 which has a spike contacting member G1S which is removably held in position thereon by al pin, screw or other attaching member G13. The jaw member G3 is pivoted upon the member G11 as at G25.

In the form of my invention shown in Figures 1 to 10, inclusive, the frame which carries the nail pulling device is supported at its forward end on springs so that as pressure is puton the device when spikes are pulled, the frame is somewhat depressed with regard to the truck frame and the track contacting shoe is brought into contact with the track and thus the actual strain and shock due to the spike pulling operation is not transmitted to the truck frame or its bearings and the wheels which carry it. but is borne by the track contacting shoe. As shown particularly in Figures 1 and 2, the cushioning arrangement is applied only to the bearings of the forward axle, that is the axle adjacent the spike pulling assembly, and

be the bearings are beneath the-cushioning arrangement or springs, the frame being above the axle.

In the form illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, a modified frame vcushioning arrangement is shown. In it the side frame member is carried below the axle and the cushioning construction may be applied to all four bearings, that is to say, it may be applied' to the front and rear axles and to each bearing which supports the axle. This may require a modification in the frame construction. The frame member H to which the bearing B9 of the axle B13 is attached, is positioned below the bearing B9 and that bearing is fastened to the frame by bolts H1, H1 which pass through the flanges of the frame member H and through suitable parts of the bearing B1. Springs H2 are. positioned above the bearing and carry the load of the frame and associated parts. The compression Aof the springs may be varied by adjustment of the nuts H3.

By reason of the somewhat modified frame construction made necessary with the changed axle supporting arrangement, instead of the member E, a similar member I is used. Thismember serves the same purpose as the member E but is merely of dilferent shape. To it a modified track contacting sho-e I1 is removably attached by means of bolts I2. I have shown the modified form of support in Figures 11 and 12, as applied to the forward axle. It might be so applied and it might also be applied to both axles. In the latter case, the details of construction would be almost identical with those shown for the forward axle and the frame member would preferably be positioned beneath the axle bearing support. In the form illustrated in Figures 18 and 11 the machine as a whole is the same as that shown in the earlier figures. A modified form of driving or moving arrangement is used, however. Instead of pushing or pulling the machine by hand, a crank and sprocket arrangement is shown, by means of which it is driven.

To one of the forward supporting wheels B17 members J are fastened. These members are joined to and support a sprocket J1. In place of the laterally extended handle bar C13 a shaft J2 is used. It may occupy generally the same position as that occupied by the handle C13 and that handle bar itself might be used, but I prefer to use the shaft J 2 which extends laterally preferably a lesser distance and is preferably situated somewhat higher. Upon the shaft J2 is rotatably mounted a driving sprocket J3. Cotter pins J 1, J 4 hold it in proper position on the shaft J 2 and washers J5, J5 may also be provided. Attached to and preferably formed integral with the member J 3 is a wheel J 5 having an outwardly extending handle J 7. A chain J8 is positioned about the member J3 and the sprocket J 1. By rotation of J3 the sprocket J1 is rotated. This rotation, of course, rotates the wheel B17 and moves the machine as a whole forward or back, depending on the direction of rotation of the member J3. The crank is so geared to the driving wheel, that is, the wheel B11, by the sprockets that one revolution of the crank will carry the machine the exact spacing of the ties.

It will be understood that while I have herewith shown and described a practical operative device, nevertheless many changes might be made in the size, shape, number and disposition of parts without departing materially from the spirit of my invention and I wish, therefore, that my showing be taken as in a sense diagrammatic.

Particularly, my machine might be driven by any suitable power source, whether that power source is mounted upon the machine or not.

Throughout the specification where I have referred to the forward end of the machine, I mean that end which carries the spike pulling mechanism. For the sake of convenience this is referred to as the forward end. Obviously, of course, the machine may be moved in either direction and therefore in one sense the spike pulling assembly mi ght-be considered to be at the forward end of the truck and in another sense at the rear end. The phraseology used is consistent throughout and is adopted merely for convenience. As I have used the expression forward end, the end which appears to the right in Figures l, 4, 7 and l1 is meant.

The use and operation of mv invention are as follows The machine when it is to be used is preferably put upon the rails and is moved along them to the place where it is to be put into opera-tion. In being placed upon the rails, it may be moved by hand or it may be moved partly by the jack arrangement which is illustrated in its operation in Figure 5. The ack is positioned fairly in the point of balance of the machine and with little or no outside effort the machine may be balanced and turned on the jack. The manner of attachment of the member C15 on the screw C14 is such that when the machine is raised upon it it may be rotated. Thus it may be turned Completely about or otherwise manipulated.

W hen the machine is in proper position on the track and it is desired to use it to pull spikes, the engine is set in operation and through the gearing described above, the crank D is set in motion and by means of the connecting rod C* it causes the lever C2 to rise and fall. This movement takes place constantly so long as the power source is in o eration and connected so as to drive the shaft D10 which carries the crank D14. If a spike is to be pulled, an operator takes one of the tongs and usually by means of the handle G12 depresses it. Also by pressing down on the handle G12 the lower member G11 of the tongs is depressed against resistance of the spring G13. Thus the jaws of the tongs are moved apart and they may be manipulated to engage a spike. The force of the spring G13 is sur'licient to raise the member G11 when it is free to do so, and thus to tight en the aws on the spike. The operator then moves the tongs so that the projection G5 is engaged by the hook C3 of the lever C2. Since this lever is moving up and down, as soon as the member G5 is engaged by the hook, it and the tongs will be raised. The member G5 being` on the main portion G of the tongs, the two spike engaging jaws are forced positively together and as the tongs assembly goes up, the spike is pulled straight out. As soon as it has been removed, the op erator may move the tongs out of engagement withthe hook C3 and the spring G13 then moves the jaws apart to release the spike. If two tong assemblies are used, they are operated as described and two operators may wor together, alternating so that the spike is drawn first from one side and then from the other.

As above pointed out, in order to relieve the truck frame from shocks and jars incidentto operation of the spike pulling ma chine, the spike puller proper is mounted on an auxiliary supporting assembly, which is mounted for cushioning movement with respect to the truck frame. Thus when tcnsi on first comes ona tongs as a spike is being drawn, the movable support carrying pulling mechanism is depressed in opposition to the spring which normally holds it in a somewhat raised position, so as not to interfere with movement of the machine along the rails by dragging thereon, and the contact member E4 is brought into contact with the rail A3. From then on, the strain of the pull is transmitted directly through the contact member to the rail and is not borne by the truck frame and thus the truck frame as a whole and its wheels and their bearings particularly, are cushioned from shocks and jars. As soon as tension on the spike pulling tongs is released, the frame regains it normal position under the influence of the springs B11. This yielding action for cushioning the frame will occur whether merely the forward end of the machine is mounted on a cushioning support, as indicated in Figures 'l to l0, inclusive, or if the entire frame and all of the bearings are so arranged, as indicated in the forms shown in Figures ll and l2;

IVhen the driving mechanism as illustrated in Figures 13 and lll is used, the machine, instead of being pushed or pulled by hand, will be driven by the crank and sprocket arrangement shown in those figures. Most railroads now have a practically uniform spacing of ties and thus one sprocket ratio will be satisfactory for practically universal use. That ratio is such that a single rotation of the crank wheel will move the machine the exact distance from one tie to the next so that when it has been used at one tie a single rotation of the crank will positively move it to the next position of use and it may be immediately used without the necessity of 'slight adjustments or hand pushing or pulling. This driving device allows the machine to be stopped and started more rapidly than when it must be moved by hand and permits its more accurate spacing. Thus the output of the machine and the quantity of spikes pulled in a given time is increased.

I claim:

l. In a movable spike pulling machine, a vehicle truck frame, axles and wheels supporting said frame, a spike pulling assembly positioned upon said frame, a support therefor movable with respect to the running gear of said frame, cushioning elements adapted normally to hold said support in one position and adapted to yield under pressure to permit movement of said support into another position, a road surface contacting member carried by said support adapted when the support yields under pressure to contact the road surface, said spike pulling assembly including a lever and means for moving the same up and down, a nail engaging tongs adapted to be moved into engaging contact with a nail and to be moved into contact with said lever, whereby said tongs is raised, a spring support for said tongs adapted normally to hold the tongs in a raised position, the tongs including a main member carrying a part adapted to engage said lever and carrying a second part movable with relation thereto, a spring adapted to hold the parts in one position, and a handle whereby the parts may be lmoved against the opposition of the spring into another position, one of said parts carrying a fixed spike engaging member and a movable spike engaging member, a link connecting said movable spike engaging member to the other` of said parts, whereby relative movement of the two main parts is effective to move the spike engaging j aws, toward and from each other.

2. In a spike handling machine, a wheeled vehicle, a spike handling assembly positioned thereon and driving means for moving the machine as a whole, including a crank, and so proportioned that a single rotation of the crank will move the machine the exact distance necessary.

3. In a railroad spike pulling machine, a vehicle adapted to run along rails, a spike pulling assembly, a driving means for said vehicle, including a crank, said driving means so proportioned that a single rotation of the l crank will move the machine from one tie to supporting frame, a tongs assembly yieldingly and laterally iexibly mounted upon the supporting frame, manually operable means for positioning said tongs assembly in spike pulling position, and means for imparting upward movement to said tongs assembly when so positioned.

5. In a railroad spike pulling machine, a supporting frame, a tongs assembly yieldingly and laterally flexibly mounted upon the supporting frame, manually operable means for positioning said tongs assembly in spike pulling position, and means for imparting upward movement to said tongs assembly when so positioned, including a lifting member and means for actuating it.

6. In a railroad spike pulling machine, a supporting frame, a tongs assembly yieldingly and laterally flexibly mounted upon the supporting frame, manually operable means for positioning said tongs assembly in spike pulling position, and means for imparting upward movement to said tongs assembly when so positioned, including a lifting lever pivoted at a point remote from the tongsV and lying in generally horizontal position, and means associated with the end of the lever adjacent the tongs for lifting it.

7. In a railroad spike pulling machine, a

supporting frame, a tongs assembly yielding- 8. In a nail pulling machine for railway spikes and the like, a carriage movable along a track, supporting wheels for said carriage, adapted to ride on the rails of such track, a tong supporting frame extending upwardly above a rail of said track and generallyY vertically aligned therewith and mounted on and movable with said carriage, and a tongs assembly iiexibly suspended from said support, said suspension being adapted to permit free lateral movement of said tongs assemblyy in any direction, said tongs assembly including a plurality of nail gripping elements, means for positioning said nail gripping elements in gripping relationship to a nail head and means for imparting a sharp upwardmovement to the tongs assembly.

9. In a nail pulling Imachine for railway spikes and the like, a carriage movable .along a track, supporting wheels for said carriage,

adapted to ride on the rails of such a track,

ioo

a tong supporting frame extending upwardly above a rail of said track and generally vertically aligned therewith and mounted on and movable with said carriage, and a tongs assembly flexibly suspended from said support, said suspension being adapted to permit 'free lateral movement of said tongs assembly in any direction, said tongs assembly including a plurality of nail gripping elements, means for positioning said nail gripping elements in gripping relationship to a nail head and means for imparting a sharp upward movement to the tongs assembly including a lever mounted upon the carriage for movement about an axis longitudinally substantially spaced from the tong supporting frame, and an actuating connection Abetween the opposite end of said lever and the tong supporting iframe.

10. In a nail pulling machine for railway ,spikes and the like, a carriage movable along a track, supporting wheels for said carriage, adapted to ride on the rails oi: such a track, a tong supporting frame extending upwardly above a rail oit' said track and generally vertically aligned therewith and mounted on and movable with said carriage, and a tongs assembly flexibly suspended Jfrom said support, said suspension being adapted to permit free lateral movement ot said tongs assembly in any direction, said tongs assembly including a plurality of nail gripping elements, means for positioning said nail gripping elements in gripping relationship to a nail head and means for imparting a sharp upward movement to the tongs assembly including a lever mounted upon the carriage for movement about an axis longitudinally substantially spaced from the tong supportporting frame, and an actuating connection between the opposite end of said lever and the tong supporting Jframe, including an abutment member on said lever and an opposed abutment on said tongs assembly.

11. In a nail pulling machine for railway spikes and the like, a carriage movable along a track, supporting wheels for said carriage, adapted to ride on the rails of such a track, a tong supporting frame extending upwardly above a rail of said track and generally vertically aligned therewith and mounted on and movable with said carriage, and a tongs assembly flexibly suspended from said support, said suspension being adapted to permit free lateral movement of said tongs assembly in any direction, said tongs assembly including a plurality of nail gripping elements, means for positioning said nail gripping elements in gripping relationship to a nail head and means for imparting a sharp upward movement to the tongs assembly includinga lever mounted upon the carriage for i movement about an axis longitudinally substantially spaced from the tong supporting frame, and an actuating connection between the opposite end vof said lever andA that-ong supporting frame, including an abutment member on said lever and an opposed abutment on said tongs assembly, and manually operable means for moving said Vabutment into vertical alignment.

12. In a nail pulling machine for railway spikes and the like, a carriage movable along a track, a tong supporting means extending upwardly from said carriage and generally vertically aligned with a rail of said track, and a tongs assembly flexibly suspended from said support, said suspension being adapted to permit free lateral movement of said tongs A assembly in any-direction, said tongs assembly including, a plurality of nail gripping elements, means for positioning said :nail gripping elements in gripping relationship to a spike head, and means for imparting a g sharp upward movement to the tongs assembly When the tongs are in gripping relationship to such spike head.

13. In a nail pulling machine for railway spikes and the like, a carriage movable along y a track, a tongs'assembly suspended from said carriage, and suspension means for said tongs assembly, said suspension means being yieldingly extensible and freely iiexible.

14. In a nail pulling 'device for railway spikes and the like, a carriage movable along a track, a. tongs supporting means mounted on and movable with said carriage and generally vertically aligned with a rail of said track, a tongs assembly suspended from said supporting means, and suspension means for said tongs assembly, said suspension means being yieldably extensible and freely flexible, and means mounted on and movable with said carriage for imparting to said tongs assembly a sharp upward movement, an actuating connection between said last mentioned means and the tongs assembly, including abutments on said means and said tongs assembly adapted to be vertically aligned with each other, and manual means for moving said carriage for imparting to said tongs assembly a sharpupward movement, an actuatf ing connection between said. lastmentioned means and the tongs assembly adapted to be vertically aligned with each other, and manual means for moving said tongs assembly vrinto and out of actuating relationship vwithsaid movement imparting means, and means operable against the track for preventing downward movement of the carriage in response to upward movement of the tongs. 16. In a nail pulling device for railway spikes and the like, a carriage movable along a track, a tongs supporting means mounted on and movable with said carriage and generally vertically aligned with a rail of said track, a tongs assembly suspended from said supporting means, and suspension means for said tongs assembly, said suspension means being yieldably extensible and freely flexible, and means mounted on and movable with said carriage for imparting to said tongs assembly a sharp upward movement, an actuating connection between said last mentioned means and the tongs assembly adapted to be vertically aligned with each other, and manual means for moving said tongs assembly into and out of actuating relationship with said movement impartment means, and means operable against the track for preventing downward movement of the carriage in response to upward movement of the tongs,

said means including a member located adjacent the tongs and spaced closely above a rail of the track.

Signed at Milwaukee county of Milwaukee and State of lVisconsin, this 2nd day of July 1980.

HENRY H. TALBOYS. 

